New Delhi: Anthony Albanese became the first Australian Prime Minister to announce an engagement while in office as he revealed that his partner has accepted his proposal on Valentine’s Day.
Albanese, who has been in a relationship with Jodie Haydon, a financial services professional, for three years, proposed on the balcony of the Lodge, the official residence, following a romantic dinner at an Italian restaurant, news agency AP reported
Taking to social media, Albanese shared the news, writing, “She said yes,” alongside a heart symbol.
The prime minister disclosed that he had meticulously planned the date and setting of the proposal and even played a role in designing Haydon’s diamond ring. However, he remained uncertain whether the wedding would precede the announcement of Australia’s next election, slated sometime between August of the current year and May of the following.
During a brief news conference held on the Lodge's lawn, Albanese expressed his delight in sharing the news with the public, stressing the happiness he felt in finding a life partner. Haydon, in turn, expressed gratitude for the flood of congratulatory messages received from friends, family, and well-wishers, AP reported.
Albanese has a son from his previous marriage, which ended in divorce after 19 years.
In a light-hearted gesture, Opposition leader Peter Dutton extended his congratulations to Albanese in Parliament. Dutton, who advocates for retaining King Charles III as Australia’s head of state, joked about anticipating their own version of a royal wedding.
“We look forward to our version of the royal wedding sometime in the near future,” Dutton said, eliciting laughter from fellow parliamentarians. “I’ll be there, throwing roses out in front of you, prime minister. Whatever it takes to get an invite to the gala wedding,” he added.